December 2, 2009

India to Propose Emissions Target?

No surprise that it will come in the form of China’s target, which is reducing energy intensity rather than absolute emissions. The Washington Post has the story, and I have excerpts below.

“Recent announcements by the United States and China to cut carbon dioxide emissions are propelling India to make its own commitment to slow greenhouse gas emissions and go to the upcoming Copenhagen climate summit with a firm proposal on reductions.”

“But President Obama’s pledge for the United States to cut emissions by 17 percent by 2020 and an offer by China to lower by 40 percent its carbon intensity — that is, carbon dioxide emissions relative to the size of its economy — have put new, unexpected pressure on India, a senior government official said Tuesday.”

“A new carbon-intensity target may be announced by New Delhi this week, said the official, who is part of India’s climate negotiation team and spoke on the condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to discuss the matter publicly before a formal announcement is made.”

“India previously insisted that wealthy nations help support carbon cuts in less developed countries. The new proposal will be a domestic initiative, however, and will not be dependent on international financial or technological support, the official said.”